Some PB 'losers' vow to move ahead with Vallejo pet projects

Mike Browne of the Vallejo Convention and Visitors Bureau said he's disappointed the city "branding" project he backed didn't win in the recent Participatory Budgeting election, but he was nevertheless impressed with the process.

And as far as he's concerned, there is more than one way to fund a project and he plans to find one, he said.

"Of course we're disappointed, but we're grateful that so many people voted and we created some awareness, raised the bar on what branding's about," Browne said. "We'll seek other avenues to find the money to make it happen."

The effort to help redefine and improve Vallejo's public image, was estimated to cost $230,500, and was pitched as having the potential to help recruit better businesses to produce better jobs and shopping and improve neighborhoods. It came in 27th, with 256 votes. Only the top 12 vote-getters will likely receive council backing for funds..

Despite the loss, Browne said he thinks the whole city gained through the "PB" exercise, itself. And, he said, the winning projects are good ones.

Two of the "Economic Development" category projects did win, including one that grants loans to small downtown and Mare Island businesses and another that provides college scholarships.

The loan program, which garnered 889 votes, placing 8th, was estimated to cost $300,000, while the 6th place College Bound project, costing $320,000, got 1,100 votes.

The Vallejo Flea Market, pitched by the Solano AIDS coalition, came in 15th with 689 votes. The Coalition's Mario Saucedo said proponents had hoped for $25,000 for a Saturday flea market downtown to help create employment, bring people from the region downtown and generate income for local charities. He said those behind the project are also disappointed, but plan to go ahead on their own.

"So many people want this flea market and everybody was so excited about it, and I'm shocked we didn't win," Saucedo said. "Everyone we asked said they were going to vote for it, so I don't understand it."

With community support and the blessings of the owner of the parking lot where the flea market is planned, Saucedo said proponents will find another way.

Also defeated, in 32nd place and earning 129 votes, was a plan to spend $33,000 to create small Spanish-language business planning classes through the Solano College Small Business Development Center. Proponents like organization and community development consultant Gabriela Melano said this would help Spanish-speaking business owners increase revenues and create jobs. But, losing this round was immaterial, she said.

"I am extremely pleased with the voting results," Melano said. "The people showed what was important to them and prioritized. This is incredible success. We will try our project next time around."

Contact staff writer Rachel Raskin-Zrihen at (707) 553-6824 or rzrihen@timesheraldonline.com. Follow her on Twitter at Rachelvth.